The album that named a movement (and a magazine), No Depression rocks and twangs in just about equal measure, though the rock side wins out most of the time. Even when a song downshifts from full-on punk to banjo- and mand... more &raquoolin-graced interludes, it usually shifts back again, seemingly even louder and angrier than before. Beyond the influential sound, though, are some great songs--whether they're raging originals like "Graveyard Shift," where the job's literally a killer; an earnest, acoustic cover of the Carter Family's title track; or a decidedly desperate portrait of Leadbelly's "John Hardy." --David Cantwell&laquo less

Synopsis

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The album that named a movement (and a magazine), No Depression rocks and twangs in just about equal measure, though the rock side wins out most of the time. Even when a song downshifts from full-on punk to banjo- and mandolin-graced interludes, it usually shifts back again, seemingly even louder and angrier than before. Beyond the influential sound, though, are some great songs--whether they're raging originals like "Graveyard Shift," where the job's literally a killer; an earnest, acoustic cover of the Carter Family's title track; or a decidedly desperate portrait of Leadbelly's "John Hardy." --David Cantwell

CD Reviews

A Classic! From The Buffalo Springfield of Its Era

A. Boyd | Boston MA | 02/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me, Uncle Tupelo in the early `90s was a modern/alternative version of Buffalo Springfield - deep! songwriting talent from two lead singer songwriters in Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrer (akin to Neil Young and Stephen Stills). Their breakup in '94 was a downer, but did produce Son Volt (Farrer) and Wilco (Tweedy) - two great bands resulting from one amazing! Band. History aside, No Depression stomps its way through a sound only Uncle Tupelo could create - a fantastic clash of alternative/punk and alt/country. Tweedy/Farrer wrote complex songs with Uncle Tupelo that careened recklessly only to grind to screeching halts, and back. No Depression does not have a bad song, and if you can tolerate the variety of styles, often within a single song, you will truly be rewarded. This was a great, unique, original band.

GENRES: Alternative, Alt/Country.

BUY IF YOU LIKE: Wilco, Son Volt, The Pixies, Pavement, Drivin' N' Cryin'.

"Alt Country? I dont know a thing about it. I dont know much about this band either, except that on first listen tonight I'm immediately pleased. I like the sound of the vocals. Just like how I like the slide guitar in Cake. And I like the country nod in scattered Modest Mouse songs. And most of all Anders Parker. You will too if you're into Uncle Tupelo. Anders is one of those guys who will be respected in retrospect. Looking forward to learning more about this new band."